He was the Olympic runner-up and a European runner-up, a medalist in the last two World Cups, and one of the most talked about NBA stars. One of the teams in this championship carried less pressure, and there was talk of automatic qualification for next summer’s event. Paris 2024 seemed possible for a home team. Yet the first round saw the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia eliminated, a striking failure in what France hoped would be a landmark season. France, once considered the sport’s giant, delivered a shock that could reshape the sport’s balance for years to come.
“This is the deepest disappointment I’ve felt while wearing the national jersey,” admitted the 34-year-old Clippers star, a cornerstone of French basketball, after his coach made a bold call. Vincent Collet regrouped for a lineup that included Nando De Colo, the current showpiece of Asvel.
“We’ve faced heavier losses in our history, but this one stings the most. You can say you’re competing when you bow out in the quarters or semifinals, but not when you crash out in the opening lap,” he said with frankness. “Walking away from the tournament like this is incredibly painful.” Evan Fournier did not mince words.
No subtitles needed ❤️ #FIBAWC x #WinForLatvia pic.twitter.com/14uXZNUymw
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 (@FIBAWC) 28 August 2023
Amid the roar over Latvia’s surprising run, the moment was hailed as “the biggest win in Latvian basketball history.” David Bertans watched as a stream of 4,000 fans lined the Indonesian Arena to cheer their team while the Oklahoma City Thunder forward watched from the sideline.
Batumi emerged as a key voice inside the French locker room, speaking out about the internal tensions that followed the setback and calling into question the roles of politicians and federation leaders. Thomas Hurtel, who had previously represented France in Europe before moving to Russia to play in Xavi Pascual’s Zenit Saint Petersburg, urged everyone to reexamine the situation. “Everybody needs to question what’s going on: coaches, players, federation, everybody,” he said.
France’s joy faded into the Lettons’ elation and the Bleus’ disappointment after a defeat that marked the end of an early exit from the tournament.
Victor Wembanyama, the youngest star on the squad and a new face for the Spurs, stood at 19 and labeled 2.24 meters tall. He reflected on the loss, noting that political distractions had cost the nation several players and called for a sharper focus on the team’s success. Batum, speaking candidly, confessed fear about returning home and confessed pride in the shirt he wore because so many people believed in them. There was a strong sense of responsibility to deliver for France fans who had trusted the squad.
Collet on target
Critics pointed to the French coach Vincent Collet, a figure whose tenure includes Olympic silver in Tokyo and notable wins and losses that left fans doubting the trajectory. The recent roster decisions, including six changes with few defined roles, contrasted sharply with the European squad from the previous year, raising questions about strategy. When the team lost momentum, Collet attributed it to a lack of energy and fellowship on the floor. After the match, he admitted that some tactical choices simply did not click and that the team had slipped into poor habits that hurt them on the court.
“Defense has always been a cornerstone, and we were among the best defensive teams in the tournament. This time, that was not the case,” he explained. Rudy Gobert, the Minnesota Timberwolves center, described the challenge of maintaining high expectations. He emphasized that the squad must remember the core strength of playing hard together and making a tangible impact. In the end, the team faced more obstacles than it could overcome in every game.